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Result of Service
A single, reliable GLI web-GIS environment that (i) keeps existing GLI platforms and geodatabases fully maintained and enhanced, (ii) documented geospatial APIs and OGC services for seamless data exchange, (iii) consolidated and into one production platform, and (iv) creation of up-to-date technical/user documentation and approved monthly progress reports.
Work Location
Home based
Expected duration
3 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Background: Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention seeks to support countries to address Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD). ) The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is the annual international forum for the governments of 19 industrialized countries and the European Union (EU). The G20 Leaders' Declaration, issued in November 2020, launched the "Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats" (G20 Global Land Initiative). Building on existing initiatives and on a voluntary basis, the G20 countries share the ambition to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in the amount of degraded land by 2040. The G20 Global Land Initiative, with oversight from UNCCD, will focus on building capacity, engaging the private sector, empowering civil society and showcasing success. Engagement with the private sector, including in relation to mining, agriculture and forestry, will be key to encourage support for land restoration efforts and the adoption of sustainable land management practices. The Initiative Coordination Office seeks a web/database developer consultant to assist the G20 GLI team conduct Geographic Information Science (GIS) activities and maintain and develop web applications. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the guidance of the Program Officer, the candidate will:
* Maintain and update the existing GLI data platforms and associated Geodatabases, develop and implement the following features: zoom, pan, a layer control panel to toggle different data layers, and custom widgets for measurement tools, drawing tools, and data export options. Additionally, ensure performance tuning of the server databases and promptly upgrade various server software packages.
* Configure and manage MapX and superscript libraries, as well as Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Services (OWS) such as GeoServer for the GLI data platforms
* Develop Geospatial APIs for data sharing and establishing interoperability between GLI geospatial platforms and other relevant data platforms.
* Prepare GIS data layers for GLI data platforms and offer assistance with GIS data cleaning and preparation for statistical analyses, and assist in drafting reports, presentations, and training materials;
* Perform any additional tasks related to the G20 mission, including those involving the GLI internal information system. Deliverables
* Maintain and upgrade automated processes using JavaScript, Python, and other Web Technologies. This includes documentation of upgrades in both technical and general user manual.
* Create comprehensive documentation for the APIs, including details about the endpoints, request and response formats, authentication mechanisms, and usage examples for facilitating integration with other platforms.
* Develop and implement a workplan for merging the two (2) web platforms and )
* Monthly summary progress report with updates on the work undertake.
Qualifications/special Skills
A degree in information technology and Web GIS Developer or a closely related field is required. Minimum 4 years' experience in web GIS development with proficiency in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, XML, SQL, and web scripting, plus experience with relational databases (MySQL, Postgres) is required. Strong knowledge of vector/raster applications, publishing ArcGIS services, and working with ArcGIS Online, Enterprise, and mash-ups (Google Maps, Bing) is required. Familiarity with source control tools (GitHub, Perforce) and desirable exposure to React JS, Angular JS, NodeJS, software upgrades, testing, and GIS applications in agriculture, health, and population data Proficiency in research, data literacy, and ability to analyze complex data, identify patterns, and draw evidence-based conclusions Highly self-motivated, resourceful, detail-oriented, innovative, and an independent thinker who drives process improvements.
Languages
For the advertised consultancy fluency in English language, both oral and written, is required. Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven ability to collaborate across teams, adapt to fast-paced environments, and balance multiple priorities.
Additional Information
Only individuals who can act as independent, individual economical operators are qualified to apply. Individuals who can provide their services only on account of an institution or enterprise are not eligible under this procedure. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered "staff members" under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations Secretariat and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultant and individual contractor is responsible for determining tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. For remote consultancies, the selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 10 or newer) or Mac (with the latest MacOS update), as well as a reliable, high-speed internet connection. An Office 365 license will be provided by the UNCCD to enable the candidate to access official emails, SharePoint, OneDrive and other office applications, such as Word and Excel. Further computer requirements: An antivirus application which receives regular updates; Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled; Regular Windows 10 updates should be enabled with Windows laptop or PC. In addition, a mobile phone will be required to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) through SMS or the Authenticator App.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.